North Kesteven community heroes celebrated at awards

Caring North Kesteven residents were applauded for their outstanding community spirit at an annual awards ceremony last night.

Nominated for their volunteer work, 26 fundraisers, businesses and group organisers were recognised for the difference they make to their communities.

The finalists, who collectively accounted for the work of 300 people, gathered at The Venue in Navenby on Thursday, September 10 for the NK Community Champion Awards.

North Kesteven District Council’s Deputy Leader Councillor Mike Gallagher congratulated the finalists on the significant difference they make.

He said: “This is our chance to thank you all for your hard work and commitment to making North Kesteven the wonderful place that it is.

“Although there always has to be a winner, the fact that so many nominations were made and that we had more finalists than ever shows the esteem in which you are all held and makes you all great achievers in all that you do.

Every year North Kesteven District Council calls for people living and working in the District to nominate people whose endeavours carried out quietly, tirelessly and selflessly they feel are worthy of recognition.

Councillor Gallagher added: “We are very proud to make these awards annually in recognition of all the hard work carried out unstintingly and tirelessly by so many people in order to make a difference to the lives of others; whether through encouraging sports participation, environmental enhancements, contributing to cultural richness, making more sustainable transport choices or increasing individuals’ health and wellbeing.

“We celebrate businesses that go the extra mile in rewarding the communities which sustain them; champion young achievers; and identify that elusive characteristic of community spirit which is so hard to define but which runs deep through the daily endeavours of so many North Kesteven residents.”

The ultimate winners in the eight categories were :

Young Achiever: Thomas Talbot, from Metheringham – for his spirited fundraising and sporting achievements.

Contribution to Sport: Brian Rowlands, from Sleaford – for his extensive support and leadership of Sleaford Town FC.

Contribution to a Better Environment: Bracebridge Heath Events Group – for delivering remarkable results in the village’s look and appeal.

Contribution to Arts & Culture: Ray Allen, North Hykeham – for his motivational leadership of ACTion Community Theatre.

Contribution to Health & Wellbeing: Ken Smith, Heckington – for his significant involvement with the Heckington Lives First Responders Group.

Contribution to Sustainable Transport: Andy Bennett, Siemens, North Hykeham – for his tireless ambassadorial support of cycling and green travel options.

Community Spirit: Wendy & Richard Dann, Ruskington – for their tireless efforts in arranging and hosting a club for older, isolated villagers.

Ray Allen from the ACTion Community Theatre Group in North Hykeham said: “It’s a great privilege to be nominated. let alone win. The award not only goes to me but so many others behind the scene, who play such a big part in the group.”

Rachel Tweedale from Elite Fish and Chips said: “I’m really thrilled that we’ve been recognised for what we do for the community. Just to be here and be a part of it is really amazing.

“We wouldn’t be as successful as we are without our customers so we want to be able to give something back to them. That’s what matters to us.”

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